BP_8_20091012_Action_Research

Statement: With the increase in discipline problems in the classroom, the need to provide an environment conducive to learning required that I discover the reason/s for the problems and ways to effectively deal with the problem/s and find solutions to them. A student exhibiting problems within the classroom was dealing with much more than a need to intentionally disrupt the class or refusal to complete the assigned task. It was an issue of disengagement. The intent is to discover the causes of the disengagement and develop an instructional plan to address the issue.

The research conducted indicated that students dealing with boredom were more likely to develop behavioral problems in class that led to discipline issues. Instructional strategies used in the classroom did not take into consideration the differing learning styles or multiple intelligences. Research offered ways in which these problems could be dealt with and lessons developed to reduce or eliminate the problems within the classroom.

The outcome expectations are to discover ways in which to provide instruction that addresses the disengaged student. The development of lessons, activities, and instruction that will address the issues is paramount to the study.

My critical friends are helping the process by providing needed research data. They are interviewing fellow teachers, providing information on the types of referrals for discipline problems, the number of occurrences by repeat offenders, the input from students receiving referrals and information on the type of instruction being conducted in the class setting that may be contributing to the problems.

This month's course is helping shape the Action Research Project through the discovery of ways in which to enrich the classroom setting through the use of Web 2.0 tools and thereby addressing the issue of the disengaged student.